The Arpora nightclub that went up in flames at midnight on Saturday, leaving 25 dead , besides being one of Goa's worst disasters, also exposes the extent to which illegalities continue to flourish in the state with the blessings of politicians and the concerned authorities. Among the several questions that need to be answered is how the nightclub was built on eco -sensitive khazan land and salt pans without a construction licence, and continued to function, even after a demolition notice was issued by the village panchayat of Arpora -Nagoa. Also, there were no safety measures in place--- neither an emergency exit , nor an NOC from the fire department. The Goa govt has therefore a lot of answering to do besides a cosmetic magisterial inquiry. Secondly, as reported , there are also several other night clubs and dance bars along the beach belt that are also thriving, despite being illegal. If the Goa govt is really serious , it should start the immediate crackdown on these illegal structures by demolishing them as per High court orders, instead of legalising them.
